Ideas

There are a few subjects I just keep coming back to. Language is one of them, and for good reason: it's one of the most important tools in sales.

Two of the universal challenges faced by organizations throughout southeastern Wisconsin and across the country is the attraction AND retention of talent.

I nnovation may feel like a trend or industry buzzword, but at companies like Apple, Aglient, 3M and Infosys, it is a core competency. Executives at these companies have chosen not to fall prey to their own past successes but instead they have chosen to make innovation a methodology for how they do business.

Mequon-based Charter Manufacturing Company announced it has acquired Dura-Bar and Dura-Bar Metal Services as part of its stock purchase of Illinois-based Wells Manufacturing Company.

Anyone who is involved in manufacturing at any level in Wisconsin must have heard of these topics of discussion recently: skills gap; workforce development; skilled trades; or lastly, “Man, I can't find any good craftsman.”

Badger Magnetics Inc. is expanding its Milwaukee plant at 7939 W. Tower Ave.

Milwaukee-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. announced it has acquired Companhia Caetano Branco of Brazil for a total consideration of approximately $57 million in cash.

Milwaukee-based Joy Global Inc. reported fourth quarter income from continuing operations of $212 million, or $1.99 per share, up from $195 million, or $1.83 per share, in the same period a year ago.

Businesses in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties are slightly more optimistic about 2013 than they were heading into 2012, according to the First Business Economic Survey released last week by First Business Bank-Milwaukee.

The Port of Milwaukee has extended its foreign trade zone to a wider area of southeastern Wisconsin through an alternative site framework.